CIRCLES is an award-winning networking program that connects professionals based on industry and business interests.

This CIRCLES event will provide many opportunities:- Network with Marquette alumni, parents and friends in business sectors of interest to you.- Find employees, mentors and business associates.- Develop business leads and contacts.

To ensure your contact information is included in the CIRCLES directory, please register by Friday, October 14. For questions or special needs, call Terrie Bruckbauer at (414) 288-3353.PROGRAM5:30 p.m.FRESHMAN FRONTIER PROGRAM PRE-RECEPTION (optional)Connect with fellow Marquette alumni of the Freshman Frontier Program and visit with Mary Minson, Senior Assistant Dean of Advising/Director of Freshman Frontier Program.

7:30 p.m.NETWORKMeet with Marquette alumni, parents and friends connected to your business sector.

ROUNDTABLE TOPICS AND LEADERS

Sports in the New Digital AgeJJ Alberts, Arts ’93, Sales Manager, ESPNBoston.comDiscover how sports media stays ahead of the curve in attracting and maintaining consumers with social media and advertising. Learn how the current sports media market is transforming the way we process information and how you can use similar strategies at your company.

Making Sense of the Educational Landscape TodayEllen Eckman, Ph.D., Associate Professor/Chair, Educational Policy and Leadership, Marquette UniversityHear from Marquette’s very own Dr. Eckman as she discusses the state of education today and where the system is headed. Discover what distinguishes charter, for-profit, choice, virtual, blended and other types of schools from each other and discuss the ripple effects school structure has on parents, students, teachers and administrators.

Understanding Our Global World through Technology and Defense Systems Mitchell P. Ayoob, Eng ’81, Director of Innovation, Network Centric Systems, Raytheon CompanyRobert H. Bishop, Ph.D., OPUS Dean, College of Engineering, Marquette UniversityA key element of Raytheon’s growth is its strong commitment to the global marketplace. Discover how the company utilizes this mindset through U.S. defense and security technologies. Learn how Marquette is educating the next generation of engineers to meet our nation’s needs through student-centered learning, hands-on experiences and design-to-product strategies that value and encourage innovation.

The Importance of Inspiring Consumers to Become Advocates of Your BrandJoe Lovett, Comm ’93, Director of Strategy, IsobarLearn about the evolving role of the consumer in this new digital age and how their growing influence impacts you. Gain insights on how a modern communications agency is embracing this concept and how you can benefit from their strategies.

Best Practices in Venture CreationGary Millrood, Arts ’80, Senior Vice President of Sales, Hubcast, Inc.Tina Quealy, Associate Director of the Kohler Center for Entrepreneurship and Adjunct Instructor of Social Entrepreneurship, Marquette UniversityWhether you are starting an Internet company, a socially-focused venture, or thinking about taking the leap into self-employment, discover the key strategies you need to know in executing on your new venture out of the gate. These experts will share insights from their own entrepreneurial endeavors and experiences relaying valuable information on how you can build and measure the success of your venture.

Should Private Equity Be Included in an Individual Investor’s Portfolio?Solomon Owayda, Arts ’76, Managing Director, Siguler Guff & Co., LLCDavid Krause, Ph.D., Director, Applied Investment Management Program, Marquette UniversityPrivate equity is considered to be a major component of the alternative asset universe for institutional investors. It has been shown to significantly improve a portfolio’s risk and reward characteristics in the long-term. Learn about whether individuals should invest in private equity – and if so – how best to do it.

Investing in Volatile Markets: Being Prepared and Managing OpportunisticallyJames M. Weiss, Arts ’68, President, Weiss Capital Management, Inc. Linda Salchenberger, Ph.D., James H. Keyes Dean, College of Business Administration and Graduate School of Management, Marquette UniversityInvesting successfully in a rapidly declining market begins long before the storm roars in by establishing investment strategies to endure the volatility and damage with an aim to sustain the client’s strategic long-term investment plan and be ready to participate when markets recover. In significant market declines, prices of truly great companies’ stocks drop along with the rest of the market creating opportunities that can result in your gain.